back·ped·al 
/ˈbækˌpɛdl̟/ verb
back·ped·als; US back·ped·aled or chiefly British back·ped·alled; US back·ped·al·ing or chiefly British back·ped·al·ling /ˈbækˌpɛdl̟/ verb [no obj] : to move backward with quick steps
▪ The outfielder backpedaled a few steps to catch the fly ball. — sometimes used figuratively ▪ When threatened with a revolt of its own supporters, the government backpedaled [=retreated, backtracked] from its previous position.
▪ The outfielder backpedaled a few steps to catch the fly ball. — sometimes used figuratively ▪ When threatened with a revolt of its own supporters, the government backpedaled [=retreated, backtracked] from its previous position.
